Abnormal renal rotation

Abnormal renal rotation (renal malrotation) refers to an anatomical variation in the position of the kidneys, in particular to anomalous orientation of the renal hilum. It may occur unilaterally or bilaterally. It is almost always an asymptomatic incidental finding.

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Epidemiology

Malrotation is rare, perhaps under reported, and in one autopsy series a prevalence of ~1 in 2000 was reported 1. It is more common in males.

Gross anatomy

The renal hilum is normally directed anteromedially. The renal hilum is initially oriented anteriorly, but during its ascent from the pelvis the kidney rotates 90° along its longitudinal axis to its more typical orientation.

Sagittal rotation, i.e. kidney rotation around its hilum in the sagittal plane, is another type of rotation, which as yet does not have an embryological explanation. It is asymptomatic and is virtually always discovered incidentally on imaging 5.

Radiographic features

Urography

malrotation can be demonstrated when the calyces project medially to the renal pelvis

on CT urography, the renal pelvis of a nonrotated kidney will project anteriorly 3

Development

The exact cause of malrotation of the kidneys is unclear, though it has been hypothesised that malrotation may occur if the ureteric bud inserts into an abnormal region of metanephric mesenchyme. Its association with renal ectopia suggests that the process of ascent and rotation are related.